By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: 4 Whole-Body Healing Techniques for Lasting Addiction Recovery
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Wellness > 4 Whole-Body Healing Techniques for Lasting Addiction Recovery
Wellness

4 Whole-Body Healing Techniques for Lasting Addiction Recovery

John Henning
John Henning
Share
6 Min Read
SHARE

The opioid epidemic is just one of several forms of drug addiction that are impacting families across the country. These days, nearly everyone knows someone who struggles with addiction. But not everyone really understands what it takes to overcome addiction ? for good. While it?s obvious that an addicted person needs to stop using the addictive substance, what?s less obvious is that getting rid of the substance is just the beginning of addiction recovery. In order to stay sober in the long term, it?s important to replace old habits and addictions with new, healthy habits. You?ve probably experienced this in your own life; if someone says you can?t have your favorite cookie, it takes a lot of willpower to resist, and there?s a good chance you?ll eventually give in and eat the cookie. But if you?re given an equally delicious, healthy snack as an alternative, then the cookie becomes easier to ignore. Effective addiction treatment doesn?t just get people off drugs; it heals the whole person: mind, body and spirit. It addresses the root cause of addiction ? whatever stress, trauma or unhappiness led the person to addiction in the first place. It also teaches healthy lifestyle habits and coping mechanisms, and gives recovering addicts a chance to practice these new skills and habits before they return home. Continue reading to learn about some of the healthy, non-medication tools and habits that we?ve used to help our clients achieve long-term addiction recovery at Elevate Addiction Services for more than 20 years.

Contents
  • Holistic Pain Management
  • Exercise and Outdoor Activities
  • Meditation and Mindfulness
  • Aromatherapy
  • How to Achieve Lasting Addiction Recovery

Holistic Pain Management

For people going through detox, as well as those who are already sober and need to manage chronic pain, it?s important to have alternatives to opioid pain medications, which are highly addictive. There are a variety of alternative types of pain medication and homeopathic healing techniques that can be used instead, including:

  • Topical pain relievers
  • Physical therapy
  • Massage therapy
  • Ice and heat
  • Biofeedback
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Mindfulness and meditation
  • Acupressure and acupuncture
  • Reiki
  • Yoga

Exercise and Outdoor Activities

Exercise isn?t simply good for your body; it?s also good for your mental health and provides a healthy habit to use in place of addiction. The benefits of exercise in recovery include:

  • Stress relief
  • Natural endorphin booster
  • A way to keep busy when cravings hit
  • An active form of meditation
  • Better body, better self-image

CrossFit, in particular, provides a whole-body fitness regimen that is highly supportive for those in recovery. Other excellent forms of physical activity in recovery include:

More Read

obesity recognized as disease
Obesity Recognized as Disease
Mental health: How Clutter Affects Your Brain And What Can You do About it
America Has A Health Care Paradox
The Risks and Benefits of Taking Weight Loss Supplements
Are These Postpartum Trends in Health Care Here to Stay?
  • Recreational sports (volleyball, basketball, etc.)
  • Walking and running
  • Hiking
  • Swimming and rowing
  • Gymnastics
  • Weight lifting
  • Yoga

Meditation and Mindfulness

Letting go of worries and fears and taking time to relax into the present moment is powerfully healing. Making meditation a daily habit is a preventative form a mental health, because it lays a foundation of emotional well-being and self-awareness that helps people better handle whatever life throws their way. Mindfulness can also be used in moments of stress or temptation so the person can stay calm and make wise decisions. Some of the scientifically proven benefits of meditation include:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Improves self-image
  • Boosts cognition
  • Reduces fatigue
  • Improves self-control
  • Increases immune function
  • Reduces pain
  • Boosts mood
  • Improves concentration and memory

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils ? plant extracts with healing properties. Science is now unlocking the secrets of plant-based healing methods, many of which have been used by healers throughout the world for thousands of years. Essential oils are often used in addiction recovery to ease withdrawal symptoms during detox, and to support mood and physical healing during the long-term recovery process, such as during meditation. Many people use aromatherapy for general wellness, not just for addiction recovery.

How to Achieve Lasting Addiction Recovery

The majority of addiction programs are 30 days, but in most cases this is barely enough time to detox, leaving little time for the other essential goal of addiction treatment: addressing the underlying causes of addiction and teaching new, healthy habits. Studies have shown that both addiction recovery and the formation of new habits are much more likely to stick after 90 days than with a shorter duration. So if you or a loved one needs addiction treatment, be sure to look for a recovery center that offers a holistic, long-term program that helps instill healthy new habits after the detox period concludes ? and one that will provide support in creating an improved life, not just a sober one.

Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By John Henning
John Henning is a nutritionist, freelance writer, and food blogger that provides accessible nutrition info to help people live a healthier life. His unique approach to nutrition emphasizes nutrient-dense, whole foods and healthy habits rather than restrictive diets.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

dental care
Importance of Good Dental Care for Health and Confidence
Dental health Specialties
October 2, 2025
AI in Healthcare
AI in Healthcare: Technology is Transforming the Global Landscape
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
October 1, 2025
Choosing the Right Swimwear for Health and Safety
News
September 30, 2025
sports concussions
Concussion In Sports: How Common They Are And What You Need To Know
Infographics
September 28, 2025

You Might also Like

Economist Highlights the Home Birth Debate

April 4, 2011
Nursing Shift Changes and Patient Handoffs
Hospital AdministrationWellness

Dealing Effectively with Shift Changes and Patient Handoffs

March 3, 2016

Danny DeVito’s Take on Genetically Modified Food

November 1, 2012
Health careWellness

Here Are Top 3 Health Concerns of Aging Parents

August 27, 2018
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?